© BVG, Christian Retzlaff

Significantly more electric buses on Germany’s roads

They run on 100% renewable energy, saving nearly one million tons of CO₂ over their years of operation.

Instead of the usual diesel smell, bus stops now have fresh spring air and a quiet hum. This bus is one of the growing number of electric buses that are now transporting people and bikes across Germany.

^{Electric buses: 65 funded transport companies in 13 federal states}

More than 65 transport companies across 13 federal states have been supported through 50 funding projects. By the end of 2023, these companies had introduced a total of 1,489 buses and approximately 1,000 charging points. Thanks to the funding programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the number of battery-powered buses on German roads has increased fifteenfold since 2018. This was highlighted in a study presented at the end of December 2024, which examined the promotion of electric buses in public transport: Accompanying study on the promotion of electric buses in public transport (in German only).

^{50% of electric buses in Germany made by German manufacturers}

When the funding programme was launched in 2018, there were no mass-produced battery-powered buses made in Germany. Chinese manufacturers were the technological pioneers. However, with the predictable demand in the home market, the funding programme has supported German and European manufacturers in bringing such vehicles to market, helping them close the gap with global leaders. Today, around 96% of the funded buses come from European manufacturers, with nearly 50% from Germany – and this percentage continues to rise.

Electric buses are also making a significant contribution to climate protection in transportation: Over their lifetime, they are expected to save around 920,000 tons of CO₂. In addition, emissions of nitrogen oxides and fine dust in urban areas have decreased significantly, according to the study.

^{Battery sizes are now capable of covering large daily distances}

Using Germany’s electricity mix, electric buses from 2023 already save more than half the climate emissions of a comparable diesel bus over their lifetime. The evaluation of driving data confirms that these buses now serve as a full replacement for diesel buses: their battery sizes are now sufficient even for long daily routes.

Hydrogen buses, although technically mature, are expected to play only a limited role in urban bus services for the foreseeable future because operating costs for fuel cell buses will continue to be higher than those for battery-powered buses.